The Academy | TigerGK

NEXT GENERATION

ELITE YOUTH GOALKEEPER PLATFORM

THE ACADEMY IS TGK's ONLY INVITE ONLY TRAINING PROGRAM

COMMON QUESTIONS

How can my goalkeeper join?

Academy goalkeepers are invited by one or more of our staff members from our Weekly Clinics or Camps, where they have been evaluated and worked with one or more of our staff members for a period of time.

How does a goalkeeper get evaluated?

Through our Weekly Training Clinics and Seasonal Camps, these goalkeepers have had multiple opportunities to work with Tiger Goalkeeping coaches, consistently demonstrating a strong technical skills of the position and impressive physical abilities for their age. Just as importantly, they’ve shown the competitive drive we look to foster in every Academy session. As we welcome new goalkeepers into the program, we expect them to match—or raise—the training standards set by our current group.

What if I believe my goalkeeper should be in Academy sessions?

Reach out to Matt via email, which will most likely result in an invitation to either a future Clinic or a single session with the Academy for an evaluation.

Why are the Academy programs invitation only?

TGA sessions are small grouped environments that are multi-faceted and fast paced. So, to ensure the proper coach to goalkeeper ratio while also keeping the competitive nature of each session, our staff makes sure that the Academy goalkeepers are individuals that will not only challenge themselves but make their peers better.

Can I buy a TGA uniform?

Unfortunately, our Academy training tops and shorts are only for current TGA goalkeepers that are participating.

NEXT GEN ACADEMY

Our Next Generation Academy is built for youth goalkeepers performing well beyond the typical level for their age—both in competitive games and training environments. Like our Senior Academy, this program is tailored for young keepers who’ve already demonstrated impressive technical ability, raw instincts, and a strong mentality for the position. As with the Senior Academy, entry into this program is by invitation only.

In Next Gen, we focus on refining and building upon the technical strengths that earned each keeper their spot. Sessions are designed to challenge and develop their skill set even further, while also placing a stronger emphasis on tactical awareness and decision-making. The goal is to help these young athletes grow into confident, well-rounded goalkeepers who are prepared for higher levels of training and competition—now and in the future.

As with the Senior Academy, Next Gen is a staff invitation only program for 11-14yo goalkeepers. We have currently have goalkeepers involved in these platforms; MLS Next, ECNL, Girls Academy, other Regional and National leagues, and higher ODP platforms.

Michigan training locations; Grand Rapids & Metro Detroit

2025 ACADEMY STAFF

Matt LeBlanc

Next Gen Director

Chris Taborn

Academy Director

Dan Hesselbein

Academy Coach

The Pathway

The Next Gen and Senior Academy programs were built to provide our most advanced goalkeepers with a platform to train alongside others who share the same skill level, mindset, and long-term goals. Goalkeepers are typically invited from our Weekly Clinics or Camps, having consistently demonstrated advanced technical ability, strong decision-making, and a commitment to development that stands out. While our Clinics remain the foundation of Tiger Goalkeeping—where every goalkeeper begins building their base—the Academy platforms serve as the next step for those preparing for or already competing at higher levels.

The Next Gen Academy acts as the bridge into our Senior Academy, designed to prepare goalkeepers ages 12–14 for that transition. At age 14, our staff evaluates whether each goalkeeper is ready to advance or would benefit from another year of growth in the Next Gen environment. This pathway ensures that every goalkeeper progresses with purpose, confidence, and readiness for the next level of their journey.

Senior Academy

Embrace Messy Learning

Weekly Training Clinics

Our Weekly Clinics provide the premier training environment for goalkeepers of all ages and skill levels, emphasizing technical development and sharp decision-making through realistic, game-like scenarios each week. It’s where consistent, high-quality training builds confident and complete goalkeepers.

Train With Us

Seasonal Camps Series

Our Seasonal Camps — including our Summer Saves and Tune-Up Camp series — offer a fun, competitive environment where goalkeepers learn from our experienced coaching staff and train alongside other motivated goalkeepers. Each camp delivers focused instruction, energy, and opportunities to grow every session.

Upcoming Camps